Deployable, Customized Vase for Cookie Bouquets

ABSTRACT

A deployable, customizable vase-like container for presenting a cookie arrangement of one or more cookies each on a support stick includes a platform having one or more anchors and planar material foldable to form a contiguous wall surrounding the anchor(s). The contiguous wall includes one or more connectors for holding the contiguous wall adjacent the platform, and a rear display panel is included having a lower portion nesting inside the contiguous wall. The platform may include a pedestal extending below the contiguous wall and a slot for engaging the contiguous wall. The planar material may corrugated cardboard, including a foldable, planar die-cut cardboard material. The contiguous wall may include a decorative scalloped top edge, while the rear display panel may have decorative printing on at least one side.

This application claims the benefit of the priority filing date of provisional application No. 61/717,293, filed on Oct. 23, 2012

BACKGROUND

Designer cookies are popular as novelty gifts for various occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, among others. They are frequently packaged in a variety of fanciful ways to increase their appeal. One popular style of presentation is a grouping of cookies on stick-like members to mimic the appearance of a flower arrangement. One preferred embodiment of the cookie-supporting members is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/565,729 filed Aug. 2, 2012, entitled “Stick Cookie Packaging System.”

Cookie arrangements appear best when assembled in a structure mimicking a vase. A variety of vase styles and shapes, in various materials (i.e., wood, plastic, etc.) have been developed. Cookie arrangement vases currently available are typically manufactured as a single unit, with walls and a base fitted with anchors for stick-like cookie support members. See FIG. 25 which shows a conventional cookie arrangement vase formed from a single piece of plastic. Other prior art is similarly configured, e.g., Willhite, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,755,325 and 6,561,363, disclosing display assemblies for edible and non-edible objects.

These prior art vases present two principal drawbacks. First, because they consist of a single large piece of wood or plastic, they are expensive to manufacture and bulky to transport. Second, they cannot be easily customized for different occasions because manufacturing is cost prohibitive. Therefore cookie bouquet vases known in the art tend to be plain in appearance. For these reasons, there is a need for an inexpensive cookie arrangement vase that is simple to manufacture, and which can be easily and inexpensively customized for a variety of occasions.

SUMMARY

A deployable, customizable vase-like container is disclosed for presenting a cookie arrangement of one or more cookies each on a support stick. The vase-like container includes a platform having one or more anchors and a planar material which is foldable to form a contiguous wall surrounding the anchor(s). The contiguous wall preferably has one or more connectors for holding the contiguous wall adjacent the platform, and a rear display panel is provided to present a decorative appearance. The rear display panel includes a lower portion nesting inside the contiguous wall.

The platform is ideally shaped to provide an attractive appearance to the vase-like container in addition to supporting the contiguous wall. In one embodiment it may have a pedestal extending below the contiguous wall. To hold the wall in place, and disguise the bottom edge of the wall, the platform has a slot for engaging the contiguous wall. To support cookie support stick, each anchor on the platform has a raised member with a through bore adapted to receive the cookie support stick. To hold the contiguous wall and platform together, the contiguous wall includes connectors. These connectors may be tabs which fit into corresponding slots in the platform.

In order to inexpensively produce multiple vase-like containers, which may be shipped in a disassembled state, the planar material that forms the contiguous all may be corrugated cardboard, including a foldable, planar die-cut cardboard material. In this manner, the planar material may be die-cut to a preferred size, and may be die-cut to a predetermined decorative shape, such as having four sides. In one embodiment, a scalloped top edge to the contiguous wall is contemplated. Also, to compliment the decorative aspects of the contiguous wall, the rear display panel may have decorative printing on at least one side.

In another embodiment, the rear panel may be incorporated into the contiguous wall. Like the first embodiment, the platform has anchors for holding cookie supporting members and cookies, and an insert connected to the platform which surrounds the cookie supporting members. In this embodiment, the rear display panel extends above the insert and a message may be printed on it. In this embodiment however, the rear display panel is removable from the insert. Either prior to, or after assembly, the rear display panel and insert are separable from each other using a perforation or similar structure.

In order to create the vase-like container for presenting a cookie arrangement, a user forms a platform having an anchor. A foldable insert may then be prepared from a planar sheet and folded to form a wall. Once the wall is folded into its predetermined position, it may be connected to the platform, including using a connecting mechanism such as attachment tabs. Finally, a rear display panel is inserted inside the wall.

In addition to these basic assembly steps, a user may also connect a cookie support member to the anchor. Also a decorative message may be printed on the planar sheet before affixing a cookie to the cookie support member. Additional steps for the alternative embodiment may include preparing the foldable insert and rear display panel from the planar sheet, and folding the rear display panel prior to inserting the rear-display panel inside the wall for increased stability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase having a rear display panel and scalloped top edges.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a platform for a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 4 is bottom perspective view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 6 is a left side perspective view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 7 is a right side view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 9 is a flat pattern view of an insert and rear display panel for a first embodiment cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of an adhesive-bearing insert being inserted into a platform.

FIG. 11 is a cutaway view of an insert inserted into a platform bearing an adhesive.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment cookie arrangement vase having an attached rear display panel and fiat top edges.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third embodiment cookie arrangement vase having a detachable rear display panel and scalloped top edges.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having a detachable rear display panel and flat top edges.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having no rear display panel and scalloped top edges.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the fifth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having no rear display panel and scalloped top edges.

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a fifth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having alternative anchoring tabs.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a sixth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having no rear display panel and flat top edges.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the sixth alternative embodiment cookie arrangement vase having no rear display panel and flat top edges.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a seventh alternative embodiment, including a foldable rear display panel inserted into a cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the components of the seventh alternative embodiment, including a foldable rear display panel which may be inserted into a cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an eighth alternative embodiment, including a foldable rear display panel inserted into a cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the components of the eighth alternative embodiment, including a foldable rear panel which may be inserted into a cookie arrangement vase.

FIG. 24 is a front view of a cookie arrangement in a decorative vase.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a prior art cookie arrangement vase.

DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a customizable cookie arrangement 10 of modular construction is disclosed. The vase 10 comprises a platform 12 and an insert 14, which are separable. The insert 14 comprises a flat, die-cut plan-shape, designed for folding, or rolling into to side walls 16, which may be affixed to, or inserted into the platform 12 of the vase 10. A rear panel 18 may be included as a part of or separate from, the insert 14 (depending on the desired embodiment), such that when the insert 14 is folded to create the side walls 16 and affixed to the platform 12, the rear display panel 18 provides a complimentary background for an arrangement of cookies (not shown). Additionally, the rear display panel 18 protects the cookie arrangement vase 10 during delivery or shipping when cookies are present, and the assembled cookie-bearing vase is enclosed in plastic wrap (see FIG. 18)

Preferably, the insert 14 can be printed and personalized for various holidays or special occasions, or simply to match the theme of a cookie arrangement. For example a pirate-themed arrangement may have an insert die-cut to mimic pirate ship sails. For a DISNEY™ arrangement, the insert 14 might comprise mouse ears, and for a baby shower arrangement, the insert 14 might be die-cut to resemble a baby carriage, etc. Customizing the die-cut insert 14 is also useful for creating private label brands for large warehouse store brands.

Referring to FIG. 2, the insert 14 includes a means for locking the side walls 16 and rear display panel 18 in position. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 14 includes an interlocking slot 20 and tab 22, although other means for locking the side walls 16 are contemplated, including complimentary slots at distal ends of the insert, the use of an adhesive, etc. Locking the sidewalls 16 in place helps to preserve the structural integrity of an assembled vase 10. Preferably, the insert 14 comprises a material such as corrugated cardboard or a similar material with sufficient rigidity to support the contents of the vase 10 and which is suitable for printing.

Referring to FIG. 3, the platform 12 comprises anchors 24 for holding cookie-supporting members 46 (shown in FIGS. 22-23). The anchors 24 are preferably adapted to hold the cookie-supporting members in a “tanned out” manner, i.e., in a manner mimicking a flower display. The platform 12 also comprises a side wall slot 26 for holding the assembled insert 14. The platform 12 may also include a pedestal 28 or similar base design to add stability and to complement the look of the vase 10.

Referring to FIG. 4, a bottom view of the vase 10 shows the underside of the platform 12. In this view the channels 30 of the platform 12 and the anchoring tabs 32 of the insert 14 are shown. The anchoring tabs 32 connect together to ensure that the side walls 16 do not move relative to the platform 12 once the vase 10 is constructed.

FIGS. 5-8 show front, left, right and rear views, respectively, of the ornamental appearance of the assembled vase 10. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the rear display panel 18 may be angled, slightly relative to the side walls 16 to provide more room for an arrangement of cookies and associated decorations extending out of the vase 10.

Referring to FIG. 9, the insert 14 may be constructed from a flat sheet of material, die-cut into a predetermined shape for folding, or rolling to become the side walls 16 of the vase 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert 14 is cut with scalloped edges 34 to add a decorative appearance to the top of the side walls 16. Also shown in this view are the slot 20 and tab 22 for holding together the assembled the side walls 16, and the anchoring tabs 32 which connect on the underside of the platform 12 to hold the vase 10 together. In one embodiment the anchoring tabs 32 may be 0.75 inches long and inserted in 25 mm channels 30.

Referring to FIGS. 10-11, anchoring tabs 32 may be omitted from the insert 14 in lieu of an adhesive, such as glue, double-sided tape, or any other similar attachment means, including a hook and latch fastener. FIG. 10 shows the insert bearing double sided tape 48 being lowered onto the platform. FIG. 11 shows the insert 14 affixed to the platform using glue 50 or a similar adhesive.

Referring to FIGS. 12-19, the flat, die-cut nature of the insert 14 allows a variety of vase 10 designs to be made easily and inexpensively. FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of the vase 210 having an attached rear display panel 218, and side walls 216 with flat top edges 234. Aside from the flat top edges 234, the second embodiment appears substantially as it appears in FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of the vase 310, wherein the rear display panel 318 is attached to the side walls 316 having scalloped edges 334 separated by a perforated area 336, allowing the rear display panel 318 to be removed after assembly, by an end user, or whenever desired. Apart from the perforated area 336, the third embodiment appears identical to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, before the rear display panel is removed.

FIG. 14 shows a fourth embodiment of the case 410 having a detachable rear display panel 418 and side walls 416 with flat top edges 434 separated by perforated area 436, allowing the rear display panel 418 to be removed after assembly, by an end user, or whenever desired. Apart from perforated area 436, the fourth embodiment appears identical to the second embodiment before the rear display panel 418 is removed.

In some cases, when preferred, the rear display panel 18 may be omitted entirely. FIG. 15 shows a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the vase 510 bearing an insert 514 having only side walls 516 with scalloped edges 534. In rear perspective view, the fifth embodiment is identical in appearance to the front perspective view. FIG. 16 shows a top perspective view of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 shows a bottom perspective view of the fifth embodiment, showing an alternative anchoring tab 532 structure, wherein the anchoring tabs 532 overlap with adhesive or a similar material.

FIG. 18 shows a front perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the vase 610 hearing an insert 614 having only side walls 616 with flat top edges 634. In rear perspective view, the sixth embodiment is identical in appearance to the front perspective view. FIG. 10 shows a top perspective view of the sixth embodiment.

The flat, die-cut nature of the insert 14 and modular nature of the vase 10 allows a variety of designs to be made easily and inexpensively. Referring to FIG. 20, a seventh embodiment is shown having a separate rear display panel 718 in a vase with scalloped edges 534. FIG. 21 shows the separate components of the seventh embodiments, including an insert 514 with scalloped edges 534 (as shown in FIGS. 15-16 when assembled), and separately constructed foldable rear display panel 718. The separately constructed foldable rear display panel 718 includes folding side tabs 738. The side tabs 738 of the separately constructed foldable rear display panel 718 are folded to fit within the side walls 516. In this embodiment, a notch 740 is shown to provide room for overlap where the side walls 516 overlap due to the slot 520 and tab 522.

Referring to FIG. 22, an eighth embodiment is shown having a separate rear display panel 818 in a vase with flat edges 634. FIG. 23 shows the separate components of the eighth embodiment, including an insert 614 with flat edges 634 (as shown in FIGS. 18-19 when assembled), and separately constructed foldable rear display panel 818. The separately constructed foldable rear display panel 818 includes folding side tabs 838. The side tabs 838 of the separately constructed foldable rear display panel 818 are folded to fit within the side walls 616. In this embodiment, a notch 840 is shown to provide room for overlap where the side walls 616 overlap due to the slot 620 and 622.

Still referring to FIGS. 20-23 the benefit of a separately constructed foldable rear display panel 718/818 is that it may be pre-printed and incorporated into a finished arrangement and then removed after the arrangement is delivered, or omitted entirely. This is particularly useful when components are to be shipped prior to assembly. Since the components in their unassembled form are flat, they may be packed unassembled, stacked in bulk, and shipped in quantity inexpensively.

FIG. 24 shows an assembled vase 10, including cookies 42 and decorative filler paper 44. The platform 12 and insert 14 are connected together and secured in place. Thereafter, cookie supports 46 and decorative filler paper 44 may be inserted into the vase 10, and cookies 42 affixed to the cookie supports 46, which are shown in more detail in FIG. 25. All components for a vase 10 and arrangement may be supplied on their own and assembled at a final destination.

In the various embodiments, finished arrangements may be shrink wrapped, with a backer in place to protect the cookies. In this method, the backer protects the arrangement from damage. An alternative method of packaging is to ship the individual parts.

The foregoing description is sufficient in detail to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention. It is understood, however, that the detail of the preferred embodiments presented is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, inasmuch as equivalents thereof and other modification which come within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A deployable, customizable vase-like container for presenting a cookie arrangement of one or more cookies each on a support stick, the vase-like container comprising: a platform having one or more anchors; planar material foldable to form a contiguous wall surrounding the anchor(s), the contiguous wall having one or more connectors for holding the contiguous wall adjacent the platform; and a rear display panel having a lower portion nesting inside the contiguous wall.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the platform has a pedestal extending below the contiguous wall.
 3. The container of claim 1 wherein the platform has a slot for engaging the contiguous wall.
 4. The container of claim 1 wherein each anchor has a raised member with a through bore adapted to receive the support stick.
 5. The container of claim 1 wherein the connectors are tabs which fit into corresponding slots in the platform.
 6. The container of claim 1 wherein the planar material is corrugated cardboard.
 7. The container of claim 1 wherein the contiguous wall has a scalloped top edge.
 8. The container of claim 1 wherein the rear display panel is formed from a foldable, planar die-cut cardboard material.
 9. The container of claim 1 wherein the rear display panel has decorative printing on at least one side.
 10. The container of claim 1 wherein the contiguous wall has four sides.
 11. A vase-like container for presenting a cookie arrangement comprising: a platform having anchors for holding cookie supporting members and cookies; an insert connected to the platform surrounding the cookie supporting members; and a rear display panel extending above the insert on which a message is printed.
 12. The container of claim 11 wherein the rear display panel is removable from the insert.
 13. The container of claim 11 wherein the rear display panel and insert are separable from each other.
 14. A method of making a vase-like container for presenting a cookie arrangement, comprising the steps of: forming a platform having an anchor; preparing a foldable insert from a planar sheet; folding the insert to form a wall; connecting the wall and the platform; and placing a ear display panel inside the wall.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of connecting a cookie support member to the anchor.
 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the foldable insert and rear display panel are prepared from the planar sheet.
 17. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of printing a decorative message on the planar sheet.
 18. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of folding the rear display panel prior to placing the rear-display panel inside the wall.
 19. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of affixing a cookie to the cookie support member. 